Dec. 14, 2012 Friday: St. John of the Cross

John [of the Cross] has traced a pattern--a God who gives himself, a darkness making room for the gift--which presents a purpose worthy of a person's life. But his promise of encounter is not reserved for those who make it to the end. John sees the pattern available now--present in faith, guaranteed in Jesus, released in prayer. Having reviewed the pattern, we want next to take hold of this encounter. Not that there will be no pain or confusion; but there is a precious and more significant friendship, closer than pain or confusion. That is a valid reason not to be afraid. (Father Iain Matthew, Impact of God, 93.)

”Contemplation is nothing but a hidden, peaceful, loving inflow of God. If it is given room, it will inflame the spirit with love.’

If God is a self-bestowing God, then his gift is liable to engage us. If he is active, then, in prayer, provided we stay around, he is liable to act.

NIGHT: if God is beyond us, his approach is also liable to leave us feeling out of our depth. When the divine engages us more deeply, our minds and feelings will have less to take hold of, accustomed as they are to controlling the agenda, to meeting God on their own terms and in portions they can handle. A deeper gift (from God) will feel like no gift at all. His ‘loving inflow’ is hidden; it is night.’

The Impact of God – Soundings from St John of the Cross, Father Iain Matthew, Hodder & Stoughton, 1995; Page 56